RivCo Spending $166,929 To Review Animal Services' Fee Structure

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — The Board of Supervisors Tuesday approved a $166,929 appropriation for the Riverside County Department of Animal Services to contract with a consulting firm to analyze the agency's fee structure and come back with recommendations on possible adjustments.

In a 5-0 vote without comment, the board authorized animal services Director Erin Gettis to retain MGT America Consulting LLC for one year to handle the rate study.

"The review and adjustment of the rates and (pet) licensing fees are necessary to keep up with the ongoing operational costs associated with providing efficient services and essential programs to Riverside County residents and their animals," according to an agency statement.

Documents posted to the board's agenda said that 127 prospective vendors were contacted about possibly handling the research project, but only two responded, and MGT America Consulting was deemed the "most responsive and responsible vendor."

The Department of Animal Services has struggled with budgetary challenges for the last decade, forcing the agency to largely shut down operations at its San Jacinto Valley Animal Campus.

The county has also lost business to nonprofit animal control entities, mostly in the southwest region.

The Department of Animal Services currently serves all unincorporated communities within the county, as well as 13 municipalities. Additionally, four cities in San Bernardino County are served by the department.

The entire appropriation for the rate analysis will be drawn from the county General Fund.